Summary of Ethical Theories

1. Summary of Ethical Theories

2. Summary of Ethical Theories • Utilitarianism • Right and rights • Distributive justice theories • Virtue/character • Conclusions

3. Utilitarianism • Greatest good (or least evil) for all individuals effected by action decision in the long run. • Focus on future results of action for group, not special obligations, previous promises or debts, or rights of individuals. • Results measured in +/- terms.

4. Right and Rights • Some actions are right (morally correct) based on intent of agent and/or principle of action (such as respecting equal dignity of persons). • Individuals have a moral right to be treated in certain ways (i.e. with respect) or not treated in certain ways (i.e. lied to).

5. Justice • Material principles of distributive justice (equality, contribution, need/ability, merit, liberty, fairness) determine whether a proposed distribution of benefits or burdens is just. • Distributive justice is primarily a quality of institutions and policies rather than individual action decisions.

6. Virtue/Character • Virtues of character, developed by practice over time, enable individuals to achieve excellence within a practice, and – taken together – promote excellence in life. • A virtue perspective is useful for evaluation of a practice or corporate culture: what kinds of persons does this culture produce and reward?

7. Conclusion • Each theory combines insight and limitations. • Utilitarianism works well in determining action in crisis situations, but tends to ignore individual needs in the name of group welfare. • An ethic of right provides clear answers for complex questions, but tends to ignore consequences in the name of rules.

8. Conclusion • Distributive justice theories focus attention on uneven costs and benefit distribution but tend to ignore utility. • Virtue theories focus on how institutions and practices create certain character types, but in ways difficult to apply to specific action choices.